Ball given permission to talk to other clubs

All-rounder Adam Ball has been given permission to negotiate a new contract at another county.

The 24-year-old Greenwich-born right-handed batsman, who also bowls left-arm seam, played 101 matches for the first XI across all three formats since making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2010.

He scored four first-class half-centuries and took a total of 83 wickets in all competitions including three in the recent tour match against the West Indies.

The former England Under-19 captain is out of contract at the end of the 2017 season after limited game-time in recent seasons.

Head coach Matt Walker said: “We wish Adam the very best for the future in seeking first-team opportunities elsewhere.

“He is a talented all-round cricketer but unfortunately hasn’t been able to break into the side regularly enough.”

Fellow Kent Cricket Academy scholar Hugh Bernard has also been given permission to find a new club with his contract also expiring at the end of the season.